Someone recently said, “Success is a leading cause of failure.”

I can’t find an original quote, but this idea spoke volumes.

Success. We all chase it, dream of it, and celebrate it when we achieve it. But success can sometimes lead us down a slippery slope toward failure.

Napoleon Hill talks about the dangers of complacency after success in his book “Think and Grow Rich.”

It’s meaningful and rewarding to celebrate wins and accomplishments, but amidst the celebrations, there’s a danger lurking in the shadows—complacency.

Success has a funny way of making us feel invincible. We start resting on our laurels, playing it safe, and resisting change. Before we know it, our competitors zoom past us while we’re neutral.

So, how do we avoid this all-too-common pitfall? It’s all about embracing a growth mindset, constantly challenging ourselves, seeking new opportunities, and staying one step ahead.

But here’s the plot twist—failure isn’t the end of the road; it’s a detour on the journey to success. Every setback is a chance to learn, adapt, and return stronger than ever. It’s not about avoiding failure but how we bounce back from it.

And let’s not forget the importance of humility. Success is fantastic, but staying grounded, open-minded, and willing to learn from others is essential. After all, none of us have all the answers.

I think it’s essential to embrace the paradox of success! We should strive for momentary wins and sustainable success that stand the test of time.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! How do you keep success from leading to failure in work?

Check out the books I discussed in 12 Books That Impacted Me as a Leader.